Unit Head, International Operations (middle East & Africa)

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, United Arab Emirates

Job Description

Job purpose: Lead the execution of all operations and activities related to the appointed country within the region. A successful candidate should be able to manage the internal team and overseas offices in order to create the go-to-market strategies. Plus, a successful candidate should be able to research and analyse relevant markets, build effective partnerships, and activate marketing/promotional programs to take inbound tourism to Abu Dhabi. A successful unit head is one that is able to understand the travel and tourism industry in Abu Dhabi and in the appointed region, be able to develop markets, and to ensure that all activities are executed successfully.

Key accountabilities: Travel and Market Development . Participate in developing market strategies, managing cost-effective execution, and reviewing end-to-end action plans for the appointed markets within the region. . Build effective international marketing and promotional initiatives and campaigns, incorporating inputs from respective internal departments and overseas offices. . Plan resources (human and budget) for execution of activities, including appointing agencies/personnel to work on implementing the strategy and workplans and monitoring operational efficiency . Lead the execution of work plans by appointed agencies, in collaboration with internal teams and overseas offices, aligning with established standards, timelines, and budget. . Ensure robust evaluation and tracking mechanism of activities are in place to aid future planning . Lead the execution of market's event calendar, including exhibitions, roadshows and press & trade familiarization trips. . Liaise with Destination Marketing team to collectively agree on trade marketing programs for the appointed region, ensuring that all campaigns and marketing programs deliver optimal results. Benchmarking and Market Analysis . Identify and benchmark with top competitors in the market to ensure that assigned part of the region is continuously aligned with best practices within the market. Industry Engagement and Partnerships . Identify a target list of top players, by means of research and consultation with industry members . Build company profiles of ecosystem of key players in the industries . Gather and manage contacts, including profiling and inputting contacts in the future CRM system . Liaise with internal and overseas teams to identify market trends, new opportunities, and changes within the travel sector to ensure alignment of the regional's plans with market dynamics. . Review and shape proposals of partnerships and stakeholders to ensure that all proposals aid to achieve department's objectives. . Regularly seek key internal and international stakeholders in the market to build strong relationships, aiming to improve overall performance and targets. . Maintain strong engagement with main industries through strengthening existing relationships and building new relationships with key stakeholders from travel trade, tourism, and aviation industries. Reporting and Budget Utilization . Manage the overall budget specified for the unit, and ensure effective optimization of the budget, aligning with established plans and demands. . Manage and explore revenue generation plans, and identify cost reduction opportunities. . Prepare monthly reports on projects, illustrating achievements, challenges, budget utilizations, recommendations, and future plans. . Work with Legal, Supply Management and Finance departments to ensure direct agreements, contracts and payments are submitted as per agreed timelines. Policies, Processes and Procedures . Develop policies, processes and procedures of the section and manage their implementation to ensure adherence and all relevant requirements are fulfilled. Collaboration . Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on matters related to the "region's" unit in order to facilitate flow of information and also to build awareness in those areas. Day-to-Day Operations . Manage the day-to-day operations of the "region's" unit, providing some guidance in the related area, encouraging teamwork and facilitating related professional work processes in order to achieve high performance standards and ensure that employees' activities are performed in timely, efficient, and effective manner. . Report on a regular basis to the Line Manager on the operational activities of the "region's" unit, challenges and issues faced, mitigations taken, etc. as required to keep the Line Manager informed and updated on the "region's" unit activities. People Management . Manage the effective achievement of the unit's objectives by setting individual targets, developing and motivating staff, conducting and reviewing performance appraisals for direct and indirect reports, assisting in recruitment, providing formal and informal feedback in order to maximise subordinates and section's performance. . Contribute to the achievement of Emiratisation requirements within the section through recruitment, development and retention of UAE nationals and in line with DCT's Emiratisation initiatives. EHS (Environment, Health and Safety) . Ensure all relevant environment, health and safety policies, procedures and controls are adhered to so that employee safety, legislative compliance, and a responsible environmental attitude can be guaranteed. . Comply with all relevant EHS guidelines, policies and procedures, report incidents and hazards on a timely manner, and reduce consumption of natural resources to support in protecting the environment and ensure a healthy and safe work environment. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, COMPETENCIES Qualification (e.g. Academic Qualification, Certifications, Licenses) . Bachelor's degree or Master's degree in Tourism, Marketing or equivalent Experience . At least 4 - 6 years of experience in tourism and travel industry, preferably having worked in an international, fast-paced and dynamic environment. Additionally, excellent knowledge of the appointed region's travel landscape is ideal. Critical Skills . Strategic decision making: ability to make timely decisions, and explain decisions to ensure commitment and execution. . Effective organizing and planning skills: ability to create and keep deadlines; set and meet goals, manage schedules, and think strategically. . Industry and global understanding: ability to seek out industry and global best practices and identify ways to integrate them to improve the quality of service and overall performance. . Problem-solving and risk management skills: ability to analyse problems, identify alternative solutions, anticipate consequences, and provide recommendations. . Building relationships skills: ability to proactively build and strengthen positive personal and organizational relationships. . Excellent public speaking and communications skills: ability to draft written documents and prepare oral presentations. . Strong technical and IT skills: ability to gather and interpret data; ability to utilise computer technology; & ability to use applications and software. . Adaptability and flexibility: ability to cope with changing circumstances and environments, and ability to travel domestically and internationally.

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Job Detail

  • Job Id
    JD1482420
  • Industry
    Not mentioned
  • Total Positions
    1
  • Job Type:
    Full Time
  • Salary:
    Not mentioned
  • Employment Status
    Permanent
  • Job Location
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, United Arab Emirates
  • Education
    Not mentioned